Circular electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector includes a hollow conductive post member having a circular periphery, a foot portion and a distal end. The distal end has a generally cup shaped indentation. A base member is included having top and bottom surfaces. The foot portion of the post member is mounted to the top surface. At least one standoff extends from the bottom surface of the base member. The at least one standoff is for resting against a contact surface when soldering the electrical connector to the contact surface, thereby separating the bottom surface from the contact surface to define a minimum volume therebetween for occupation by solder.

1. A method of soldering an electrical connector comprising:
 providing the electrical connector with a hollow post formed from electrically conductive sheet material having a generally circular periphery for engaging a mating connector, the post including a top having a top surface, a base member extending radially outward from the post, the base member having a generally circular periphery with at least a portion extending generally along a plane; and 
 configuring and positioning at least one standoff located on a bottom surface of the base member for defining a minimum volume of solder below the bottom surface during soldering of the electrical connector to a surface and limiting bending of the base member when under a downward load. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1  further comprising forming the top surface with an indented portion. 
   
   
     3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a layer of solder on the bottom surface of the base member. 
   
   
     4. The method of  claim 3  further comprising providing the layer of solder with a thickness greater than a height of said at least one standoff. 
   
   
     5. The method of  claim 3  in which the base member includes a central opening. 
   
   
     6. The method of  claim 5  further comprising forming the layer of solder to be generally annular in shape. 
   
   
     7. A method of soldering an electrical connector comprising:
 providing the electrical connector with a hollow post formed from electrically conductive sheet material having a generally circular periphery for engaging a mating connector, the post including a generally planar disk shaped foot portion extending radially outward from the post; and 
 configuring and positioning at least one standoff located below the foot portion for defining a minimum volume of solder during soldering of the electrical connector to a surface and limiting bending of the foot portion when under a downward load. 
 
   
   
     8. The method of  claim 7  further comprising providing a layer of solder below the foot portion. 
   
   
     9. The method of  claim 8  further comprising forming the layer of solder to be generally annular in shape.